The Norwegian Flag
The Norwegian flag was created in 1821, but didn’t become the official flag until 1898. The Norwegian flag is red, white and blue.
Blue is the color of the ocean, red symbolizes blood and love, and white is the color of the snow.
The Norwegian flag is similar to the other Nordic flags (Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Iceland) in its pattern. All the Nordic flags have at least one cross placed on a different colored background.
Fredrik Meltzer was one of the men who on Eidsvoll in 1814 formulated Norway's consitution. He got the idea for the Norwegian flag in 1821 after having seen his son draw a blue cross in the middle of the Danish flag: The Danish flag is red with a white cross. The Norwegian flag has another cross, a blue one, on top of the white cross. The chosing of colors was related to the French revolution and the French tricolour (the French flag) - one hoped the colors would inspire Norwegian nationalism.
The patriotic spirit needed an upswing after hundreds of years under foreign rule:
In 1814 Norway gained independence from Denmark to which it had belonged for 400 years. From 1814 to 1905, Norway was united with Sweden, but in a much freer manner: For instance it nation had its own parliament, constitution, and, for 7 years under Swedish rule, its own flag.
Some flag rules to be followed:
1. The flag must never touch the ground, nor the water.
2. It shall not be used as tablecloth, and when used as decoration it shall hang loosely.
3. The size of the flag depends on the length of the flagpole.
4. From March to October the flag shall be rised at 8 am, from November to Feburay at 9 am. The flag shall be taken down at sunset, no later than 9 pm.
These rules are mostly about paying respect to the flag. The most important of these rules are the first and the last rule.
Decorating with flags outside the house is very typical on May 17.
More info: follow this link
People who viewed 'The Norwegian Flag ' also found interest in following Norwegian articles . . .